Giants also release Chris Canty. He was due $6.25M in salary and a $250K workout bonus in 2013.

Canty has been a part of the organization for four years, but he only played in nine games this year. His production no longer justified his salary.

However, the big story is the dismissal of Bradshaw, who had been a part of both Super Bowl wins in 2007 and 2011.

The running back was very understanding of the situation. According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com, he told ESPN's Josina Anderson:

I saw it coming because of the money [...]. Everything is about money I guess, so yes I was expecting it. I'm not discouraged at all. I'm just looking towards getting healthy and working with somebody else. That is all I can do. The Giants fans will always be remembered and always be loved. This is where I started and I just want to thank everybody for their support. Hopefully I'll be back soon.

Bradshaw, 26, has been the leading rusher for the Giants for each of the last three seasons. In 2012, he finished with 1,015 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He also added 245 receiving yards on 23 catches.

Unfortunately, injuries have been a problem for the running back throughout his career. He missed two games this season and has only played a full 16-game schedule once in his six years in the league.

This was his second surgery on the same foot and it seems that New York believed that he was no longer worth the risk.

A pair of young running backs also made the decision easier for the Giants' front office.

Andre Brown seemingly came out of nowhere in Week 3 with 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Bradshaw's absence. He ended up finishing with a team-high eight rushing touchdowns on the year.

In addition, first-round pick David Wilson came through at the end of the year and put together a few big-time performances in December when the team needed it the most.

Even if New York does not make an addition, the team should be fine going into the 2013 season with this pair in the backfield.

For Bradshaw, there will certainly be opportunities for a 26-year-old established player. He has averaged 922 rushing yards and 7.5 touchdowns per season over the last four years, and there are a lot of teams that need help in that area.

However, the injury is certainly something that will be examined before anyone offers a contract.